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The enormous hormonal changes taking place during pregnancy trigger a variety of
symptoms. Some women will experience all of the symptoms of early pregnancy,
while others may have only a few. Most symptoms - such as amenorrhoea (missed
period), morning sickness or fatigue - can also be caused by stress, illness or
other events, so a suspected pregnancy needs to be confirmed with urine or
blood tests. These tests check for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin
(hCG). Absolute and irrefutable proof of pregnancy is the baby's heartbeat
(which can be heard through a special listening device somewhere between weeks
10 and 12), or viewing the baby with an ultrasound scan. If you suspect you may
be pregnant, see your doctor or family planning professional for
confirmation.
symptoms:
The symptoms of early pregnancy can include:
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Missed period (amenorrhoea)
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Morning sickness
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Breast changes
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Fatigue
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Frequent urination
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Mood changes
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Food cravings
As the baby grows, your body will go through many changes:
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You may have nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy.
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Your breasts will get larger and can make you uncomfortable.
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Red marks called stretch marks may show up on your skin.
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You may have back and leg aches from the weight of the growing baby.
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You may have mood changes going from joy to mild depression. These changes are
normal; but talk to your doctor if you are depressed all the time.
Missed period
The absence of the menstrual period (amenorrhoea) is often the first
sign of possible pregnancy. However, some women experience light bleeding
around the time of expected menstruation. Apart from pregnancy, amenorrhoea can
be caused by other factors including:
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Excessive exercise
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Low body weight
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Stress
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Hormonal imbalances
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Breast feeding
Morning sickness
Around half to two thirds of all pregnant women experience some degree of
morning sickness, especially in the first few months. The symptoms include
nausea and vomiting. For most women, morning sickness begins around the fourth
week of pregnancy and resolves by the 12th week. Apart from pregnancy, nausea
and vomiting can be caused by other factors including:
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Food poisoning
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Gastrointestinal disorders
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Some types of infection.
Breast changes
During pregnancy, the breasts become fuller, swollen and tender. Many women
report that the sensations are similar to those experienced in the few days
prior to menstruation. Other breast changes related to early pregnancy include
a darkening of the skin around the nipple (areola) and more prominent veins
across both breasts. Apart from pregnancy, breast changes can be caused by
other factors including:
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The effects of hormones during the lead-up to menstruation
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Oral contraceptive pills
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Hormonal imbalances.
Fatigue
Many newly pregnant women report feelings of overwhelming tiredness.
This is thought to be caused by the massive increase in the sex hormone
progesterone. In most cases, energy levels rise by about the fourth month of
pregnancy when the placenta is working properly. Apart from pregnancy, fatigue
can be caused by other factors including:
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Stress
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Hectic lifestyle
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Insufficient sleep and rest
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Poor diet
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Anaemia
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Chronic illness
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Lack of exercise.
Frequent urination
Pregnancy prompts increased levels of body fluids and greater kidney
efficiency. The swelling uterus also presses against the bladder. Most women
start experiencing more frequent urination within the first few weeks of
conception. Apart from pregnancy, frequent urination can be caused by other
factors including:
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Urinary tract infections
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Diabetes
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Diuretic medications.
Mood changes
Some newly pregnant women experience mood changes that are similar to those
typically felt in the days leading up to menstruation, such as irritability or
weepiness. Other pregnant women experience feelings of elation. It is thought
that the pregnancy hormones influence the brain chemicals and cause the mood
changes. Apart from pregnancy, mood changes
can be caused by other factors including:
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Impending menstruation
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Stress
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Life events.
Food cravings
Around eight out of 10 pregnant women experience cravings for at least one
particular food. Between 50 and 80 per cent also experience aversions to
particular foods they previously enjoyed. According to some theories, a craving
indicates a deficiency in the diet. Most nutritionists recommend that cravings
be accommodated, as long as they don't dominate and replace more important
foods. Apart from pregnancy, food cravings can be caused by other factors
including:
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Poor diet
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Stress
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Hormonal changes in the lead-up to menstruation.
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